Malta
Sorry for the three-year hiatus! But rest assured, there were plenty of durian fixes. Now we're on the road again... this time: Malta. No durians in sight, except for last weekend when I went to the Asian food store and saw a sad looking durian that did not look fit for consumption!
Malta is great! Two main islands, around half the size of Singapore. Beautiful clear blue sea everywhere, even in the ports. English widely spoken because it was a former British territory. I love being back in a small city.
The plusses: Beautiful. Delicious, fresh food. Healthy food (lots of salad, fresh seafood, vegetables and olive oil). Big portions. Lots of halal kebab places. Cheaper than the UK, France and even Singapore. Nice people. Clean streets (no dog poo). Very organised (took me a while to figure out the rubbish collection system). Unique mix of architecture, between old Arabia and Europe. The language is also a mix: Arabic, English, Italian, French and some others. Driving is orderly, UK-style. The main UK high street stores are there (e.g. M&S, BHS, Debenhams, Holland & Barretts, ALDO etc.). The shops have stuff you'd see in UK supermarkets: Patak's, Typhoo tea, Marmite, etc. but also have a lot of Italian products.* Most things are less than 20 minutes away. Our apartment is right smack in the shopping district and with sea views (don't hate!) and has almost everything we need. Found an Amorino ice cream place in Valletta. Lots of good Italian gelatos. Weather is fab; the summer is sunny with a cool breeze and not humid. Found a halal butcher and an Asian grocery store (not great but better than nothing!).
The downside: Mostly Italian channels on TV. Have to rely on hubby if I want to go farther out. Malls close on Sundays (wha???).
Conclusion: two thumbs up and a big grin!!
* I love trying out new food but it's nice to see some familiar brands in the shops.
Malta is great! Two main islands, around half the size of Singapore. Beautiful clear blue sea everywhere, even in the ports. English widely spoken because it was a former British territory. I love being back in a small city.
The plusses: Beautiful. Delicious, fresh food. Healthy food (lots of salad, fresh seafood, vegetables and olive oil). Big portions. Lots of halal kebab places. Cheaper than the UK, France and even Singapore. Nice people. Clean streets (no dog poo). Very organised (took me a while to figure out the rubbish collection system). Unique mix of architecture, between old Arabia and Europe. The language is also a mix: Arabic, English, Italian, French and some others. Driving is orderly, UK-style. The main UK high street stores are there (e.g. M&S, BHS, Debenhams, Holland & Barretts, ALDO etc.). The shops have stuff you'd see in UK supermarkets: Patak's, Typhoo tea, Marmite, etc. but also have a lot of Italian products.* Most things are less than 20 minutes away. Our apartment is right smack in the shopping district and with sea views (don't hate!) and has almost everything we need. Found an Amorino ice cream place in Valletta. Lots of good Italian gelatos. Weather is fab; the summer is sunny with a cool breeze and not humid. Found a halal butcher and an Asian grocery store (not great but better than nothing!).
The downside: Mostly Italian channels on TV. Have to rely on hubby if I want to go farther out. Malls close on Sundays (wha???).
Conclusion: two thumbs up and a big grin!!
* I love trying out new food but it's nice to see some familiar brands in the shops.
Comments
Hugs,
Naz
Hugs,
Naz